Single drive dual hopper conveyor system

ABSTRACT

A single drive dual hopper conveyor system is presented having a center conveyor system and a pair of side conveyor systems that are connected to one another. A single motor is connected to the center conveyor system and drives movement of a belt within the center conveyor system. The connection of the center conveyor system to the side conveyor system causes the belts of the side conveyor systems to be simultaneously driven as the belt of the center conveyor system is driven. This arrangement eliminates the need for multiple motors. A guide at the center of the belts is configured to guide the belts through the center of the housings and prevent the buildup of grain within a cut-out section of the flights of the belt that is needed to allow access to the links of the belts to facilitate driving of the belts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Utility applicationSer. No. 17/194,413, which was filed on Mar. 8, 2021, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/987,635, which was filedon Mar. 10, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety, including any figures, tables, ordrawings or other information.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to grain handling devices used in agriculture.More specifically and without limitation, this disclosure relates to aconveyor system for transporting particulate material, such as grain.

OVERVIEW OF THE DISCLOSURE

Modern harvesters (such as combines) are configured to separate thedesired portion of the crop (such as the grain, kernels, or beans), fromthe undesired chaff (such as the husk, cobb or shell). This grain, whichis in particulate form is often transported from the harvester into agrain trailer of a semi-truck.

One common form of a grain trailer is what is known as a belly dumptrailer. Many of these belly dump trailers have two hoppers in theirbottom side that are spaced a distance from one another. One commonmanufacturer of dual hopper belly dump trailers includes Timpte, Inc. of1827 Industrial Drive, David City, Nebr. 68632, however manymanufacturers produce dual hopper belly dump trailers.

Once these trailers arrive at their desired location, they must beunloaded. Conventionally, most unload stations have only a single pit.This means that the belly dump trailer must be emptied one hopper at atime. That is, one of the two hoppers is aligned over the grate of thepit and then emptied. Once that portion of the trailer is emptied, thedriver must climb into the truck and move the trailer such that thesecond hopper is aligned over the grate of the pit and then emptied.

This process is inefficient because it only allows one of the twohoppers to be unloaded at a time, which slows the process down. Inaddition, it requires the driver to get into the truck and move thetruck and trailer after the first hopper is emptied. This requires thedriver to properly align the second hopper over the grate of the pit,which causes delay and is inconvenient. Once the second hopper is pulledover that grate of the pit, the driver must get out of the truck andinitiate dumping the remaining contents of the trailer from the secondhopper, which causes delay and is inconvenient.

In view of the inconveniences and inefficiencies of having a single pitunload stations, it is desirable to have a dual pit unload station.While having a dual pit unload station has its advantages, dual pitunload stations have substantial complexities and drawbacks.

Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons statedbelow, there is a need in the art for an improved dual hopper unloadsystem.

Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a single drivedual hopper conveyor system that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that improves efficiencies.

Yet another object of the disclosure to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that reduces unload time.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that eliminates the need to move a grain trailerduring the unload process.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that increases unload speed.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that increases unload capacity.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is relatively inexpensive.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that makes it easier for a driver to unload adual hopper belly dump grain trailer.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is easy to install.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that can be used with practically any grainstorage facility.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that can be used with practically any grainprocessing facility.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that has a long useful life.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is durable.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that has a robust design.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is high quality.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that can be used with practically any dual hopperbelly dump grain trailer.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is easy to use.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that allows for the simultaneous emptying of bothhoppers at the same time.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that only requires the use of a single motor.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is easy to control.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that is essentially foolproof to operate.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that requires minimal wiring to install.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that prevents the side conveyors from driving atdifferent speeds.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that has a minimal risk of plugging.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that it gentle on grain.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a single drive dualhopper conveyor system that requires a minimal amount of energy tooperate.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the specification, figures, and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A single drive dual hopper conveyor system is presented having a centerconveyor system and a pair of side conveyor systems that are connectedto one another. A single motor is connected to the center conveyorsystem and drives movement of a belt within the center conveyor system.The connection of the center conveyor system to the side conveyor systemcauses the belts of the side conveyor systems to be simultaneouslydriven as the belt of the center conveyor system is driven. Thisarrangement eliminates the need for multiple motors as well aseliminates the possibility that any of the belts are not functioningwhen needed thereby preventing plugging of the system. A guide is placedat the center of the belts that is configured to guide the belts throughthe center of the housings as well as prevent the buildup of grainwithin a cut-out section of the flights of the belt that is needed toallow access to the links of the belts to facilitate driving of thebelts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an upper front left perspective view of a single drive dualhopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; theview showing the system configured for use with a dual hopper belly dumptrailer; the view showing the system configured with a grain transfer orstorage device.

FIG. 2 shows an upper front left perspective view of a single drive dualhopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; theview showing the system with hoppers on side conveyor systems omitted.

FIG. 3 shows an upper rear left perspective view of a single drive dualhopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; theview showing the system configured with hoppers on side conveyorsystems.

FIG. 4 shows an upper front left perspective view of a single drive dualhopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; theview showing the system configured with hoppers on side conveyorsystems.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system,in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the systemconfigured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showingthe system configured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system,in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the systemconfigured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system,in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the systemconfigured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 9 shows a left side view of a single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showingthe system configured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 10 shows a right side view of a single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showingthe system configured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 11 shows a rear cross sectional view of a single drive dual hopperconveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the viewshowing a cross section through side conveyor systems; the view showingthe system configured with hoppers on side conveyor systems.

FIG. 12 shows a right side cross sectional view of a single drive dualhopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; theview showing a cross section through the center conveyor system; theview showing the system configured with hoppers on side conveyorsystems.

FIG. 13 shows a rear cross sectional view of a single drive dual hopperconveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the viewshowing the system configured for use with a dual hopper belly dumptrailer.

FIG. 14 shows a rear cross sectional view of a single drive dual hopperconveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the viewshowing the system configured for use with a dual hopper belly dumptrailer; the view showing a cross section through side conveyor systemsand dual hopper belly dump trailer.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded upper rear left perspective view of a singledrive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or morearrangements; the view showing the enlarged exploded upper rear leftperspective view of a tail section of the system; the view showing theenlarged exploded upper rear left perspective view of a head section ofthe system.

FIG. 16 shows a close up exploded upper rear left perspective view of ahead section of the system shown in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 shows a close up exploded upper rear left perspective view of atail section of the system shown in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 18 shows a close up upper rear left perspective view of a tailsection of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordancewith one or more arrangements.

FIG. 19 shows in internal view of the system tail section of a singledrive dual hopper conveyor system shown in FIG. 18 , in accordance withone or more arrangements.

FIG. 20 shows a close up exploded upper front right perspective view ofa head section of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, inaccordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing an internalview of the head section with cover omitted.

FIG. 21 shows exploded upper rear right perspective view of a housing ofa conveyer system of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, inaccordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing two segmentsof the housing; the view showing a guide of one segment being offsetwith respect to the end of segments to facilitate overlapping of theother segment.

FIG. 22 shows an upper rear right perspective view of the housing shownin FIG. 21 , in accordance with one or more arrangements; the viewshowing the two segments of the housing connected together.

FIG. 23 shows an upper rear right perspective view of a housing of aconveyer system of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, inaccordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing a belt andflights of the conveyor system in the housing.

FIG. 24 shows exploded side view of a housing of a conveyer system of asingle drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or morearrangements; the view showing two segments of the housing; the viewshowing one of the segments having an outward end of splice plate angledslightly downward as it extends outward to facilitate joining with theother segment.

FIG. 25 shows a side view of a housing of the conveyer system shown inFIG. 24 , the view showing the two segments of the housing connectedtogether.

FIG. 26 shows a forward cross sectional view of a central conveyer of asingle drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or morearrangements; the view showing a belt centrally positioned over andaround guide of housing of the central conveyer; the view showingflights of attached to belt by supports; the view showing the flighthaving a cut-out section.

FIG. 27 shows a forward cross sectional view of a central conveyer of asingle drive dual hopper conveyor system shown in FIG. 26 , inaccordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing grain beingtransported in an upper chamber of the central conveyor.

FIG. 28A shows a forward view of a belt, flight, and guide of a centralconveyer of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordancewith one or more arrangements; the view showing the guide positioned ina cut-out section of the flight to facilitate guiding of the belt andflights in the central conveyor; the view showing belt shifted slightlyto the right withing the central conveyor.

FIG. 28B shows a forward view of a belt, flight, and guide of a centralconveyer of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordancewith one or more arrangements; the view showing the guide positioned ina cut-out section of the flight to facilitate guiding of the belt andflights in the central conveyor; the view showing belt shifted slightlyto the left withing the central conveyor.

FIG. 29 shows a forward cross sectional view of a central conveyer of asingle drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordance with one or morearrangements; the view showing a belt centrally positioned over andaround guide of housing of the central conveyer; the view showingflights of attached to belt by supports; the view showing the a pair offlights attached to opposing ends of each support.

FIG. 30 shows a forward cross sectional view of a central conveyer of asingle drive dual hopper conveyor system shown in FIG. 29 , inaccordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the a pair offlights attached to opposing ends of each support; the view showinggrain being transported in a, upper chamber of the central conveyor.

FIG. 31A shows a forward view of a belt, flight, and guide of a centralconveyer of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordancewith one or more arrangements; the view showing the a pair of flightsattached to opposing ends of each support; the view showing the guidepositioned between the pair of flights to facilitate guiding of the beltand flights in the central conveyor; the view showing belt shiftedslightly to the right withing the central conveyor.

FIG. 31B shows a forward view of a belt, flight, and guide of a centralconveyer of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordancewith one or more arrangements; the view showing the a pair of flightsattached to opposing ends of each support; the view showing the guidepositioned between the pair of flights to facilitate guiding of the beltand flights in the central conveyor; the view showing belt shiftedslightly to the left withing the central conveyor.

FIG. 32 shows an upper rear left perspective view of a corner section ofa center conveyor system of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system,in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 33 shows an upper rear left perspective exploded view of a cornersection of a center conveyor system of a single drive dual hopperconveyor system, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 34 shows a rear view of a corner section of a center conveyorsystem of a single drive dual hopper conveyor system, in accordance withone or more arrangements.

FIG. 35 shows a left cross section view of the corner section of acenter conveyor system shown in FIG. 34 , in accordance with one or morearrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in whichis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which thedisclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosuredescribed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description.Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilledin the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices ofthe present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes in form and details may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intendedto cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures,and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andsimilar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects andfeatures may be illustrated in or described with reference to certainfigures or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from onefigure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure orembodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown orexplicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, likereference numbers refer to like elements throughout the variousdrawings.

It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvementsdiscussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments,or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not solimited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodimentswhich provide such advantages or improvements. Similarly, it should beunderstood that various embodiments may not address all or any objectsof the disclosure or objects of the invention that may be describedherein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should notbe interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address suchobjects of the disclosure or invention. Furthermore, although somedisclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials,embodiments are not limited to the specific materials or apparatuses butonly to their specific characteristics and capabilities and othermaterials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood bythose skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom,front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior,exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merelydescribe points of reference and do not limit the present invention toany particular orientation or configuration.

As used herein, the term “or” includes one or more of the associatedlisted items, such that “A or B” means “either A or B”. As used herein,the term “and” includes all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items, such that “A and B” means “A as well as B.” Theuse of “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,”“B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated thatonly a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The useof “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of allother elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, inany “and/or” combination(s).

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude both the singular and plural forms, unless the languageexplicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an”introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced andnot, while definite articles like “the” refer to a samepreviously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an”modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new,while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediatelypreviously presented. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when usedherein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves precludethe presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics,steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to anotherelement, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/orintervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directlyengaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elementspresent. Other words used to describe the relationship between elementsshould be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus“directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged”versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as“operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or“operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected or engaged,respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which mayinclude being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronicallyconnected, wirelessly connected or connected by any other manner, methodor means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as“communicatively connected” includes all variations of informationexchange and routing between two electronic devices, includingintermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not.Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly forelectronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, eitherdirectly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricityand/or information may be transmitted between the components.

It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,”“second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, theseelements should not be limited to any order by these terms unlessspecifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguishone element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals,there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily anydifference or other relationship. For example, a first element could betermed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could betermed a first element, without departing from the scope of exampleembodiments or methods.

Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur outof the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, twooperations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executedconcurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individualoperations within example methods described below may be executedrepetitively, individually or sequentially, to provide looping or otherseries of operations aside from single operations described below. Itshould be presumed that any embodiment or method having features andfunctionality described below, in any workable combination, falls withinthe scope of example embodiments.

As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily describedin the context of a conveyor system. However, the embodiments are not solimited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for usein various other applications, which may be improved by the disclosedstructures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown anddescribed as being used in the context of conveyor systems for ease ofdescription and as one of countless examples.

System 10:

With reference to the figures, a single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10 (or conveyor system 10 or simply system 10) is presented thatis used in association with a dual hopper belly dump trailer 12. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10 is used in association with a pit 14 having a pair of grates16, a cover 18 and sidewalls 20. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, the single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 includes acenter conveyor system 22 having a tail section 24, a head section 26, ahousing 28, a belt 30 having links 32, supports 34 and flights 36,shafts 38, sprockets 40, bearings 42, take-ups 44, a motor assembly 46having a motor 48, motor bracket 50, take-ups 52, output shaft 54, apower transfer section 56 having a first pulley 58, a second pulley 60and a connector 62, and a gearbox 64, a power transfer section 66 havinga first pulley 68, a second pulley 70 and a connector 72, gearboxes 74having a first section 76 and second section 78 and couplers 80 amongother components, features, systems and configurations as is shown,claimed and/or described herein. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, the single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 includes a pairof side conveyor systems 82 having a tail section 84, a head section 86,a housing 88, a belt 30 having links 32, supports 34 and flights 36,shafts 98, sprockets 100, bearings 102, take-up 104, a hopper 106 havingend walls 108 and sidewalls 110 and having an upper end 112 and a lowerend 114, among other components, features, systems and configurations asis shown, claimed and/or described herein. In the arrangement shown, asone example, the single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 conveysgrain to an external grain transfer or storage device 116 among othercomponents, features, systems and configurations as is shown, claimedand/or described herein.

Not Limited to Grain:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 is discussed as being used in association with grain.This grain may be formed of any grains, seeds, nuts, or any otheragricultural product such as beans, corn, rice, wheat, canola, sorghum,pistachios, peanuts, popcorn, oats, small grains, or any other organicor agricultural product or material. While the disclosure hereindescribes use of single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 used inassociation with grains or seeds, this is only one of countlesspotential uses of the single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10.Reference to the use of single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 inassociation with grain or seeds is not meant to be limiting. Instead, itis hereby contemplated that single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10may be used with any flowable or particulate material which may beorganic or non-organic.

Dual Hopper Belly Dump Trailer 12:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 is configured to be used in association with a dualhopper belly dump trailer 12 or simply trailer 12. Dual hopper bellydump trailer 12 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design andis configured to carry grain to the location of single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 and dump grain into pit 14 at the location of hoppers106.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, dual hopper belly dump trailer12 has opposing sidewalls 118 and opposing end walls 120 and a bottomwall 122 that form a hollow interior 124 there between. Hollow interior124 is configured to receive and hold grain therein for transportationfrom the field or another location to the location of single drive dualhopper conveyor system 10 where it is unloaded.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, bottom wall 122 of dual hopperbelly dump trailer 12 includes a pair of hoppers 126. Hoppers 126 areformed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured todirect grain out of the hollow interior 124 of dual hopper belly dumptrailer 12 through angled surfaces that directionally funnel grain underthe force of gravity. In the arrangement shown, as one example, twohoppers 126 are shown in use with dual hopper belly dump trailer 12. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, one hopper 126 is positionedtoward the forward end of dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 and onehopper 126 is positioned toward the rearward end of dual hopper bellydump trailer 12. However, any number of hoppers 126 are herebycontemplated for use as is any location.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a gate 128 covers and closesthe opening in the lower end of each hopper 126. Gates 128 are formed ofany suitable size, shape and design and are configured to selectivelyopen and close hoppers 126 so as to facilitate the retention of grainwithin the hollow interior 124 when closed and to allow the dumping ofgrain from hollow interior 124 when open.

While a conventional dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 is shown anddescribed herein, any other form of a dual hopper belly dump trailer 12is hereby contemplated for use with the system 10. For that matter,system 10 may be used with any form of a trailer, wagon or other devicethat carries, moves, transports, or delivers grain or particulatematerial.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the location of hoppers 126and gates is configured to align with the positon of grates 16 in pit 14that houses single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10. This allowssingle drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 to simultaneously receivegrain from each hopper 126 of dual hopper belly dump trailer 12. Or,said another way, single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 allows forthe simultaneous dumping of grain from both hoppers 126 into singledrive dual hopper conveyor system 10 without having to move dual hopperbelly dump trailer 12, all while single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10 is powered only by a single motor 48 which simultaneouslypowers both center conveyor system 22 as well as both side conveyorsystems 82, as is further described herein.

Pit 14:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 is configured to be used in association with pit 14.Pit 14 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to house, hold and protect single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10 and allow trucks and dual hopper belly dump trailers 12 todrive over single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 to allow gravitydumping of grain from dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 and into singledrive dual hopper conveyor system 10.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, pit 14 is a relatively shallowbox or housing that forms a hollow interior that is sized and shaped toreceive the lower and rearward end of center conveyor system 22 as wellas side conveyor systems 82 therein. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, pit 14 includes a grate 16 positioned below the location ofeach hopper 126 in dual hopper belly dump trailer 12. The location ofeach grate 16 is positioned above the location of a hopper 106 in a sideconveyor system 82.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, grates 16 are formed of aplurality of lateral bars that are spaced apart from one another inapproximate parallel spaced relation which allows grain to freely passthrough the grates 16 while preventing larger objects or debris fromfalling into the hollow interior of the pit 14 and damaging sideconveyor systems 82. Grates 16 are also strong enough to allow a truckand full dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 to drive over the grate 16.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, pit 14 includes a cover 18 ora plurality of cover 18. Cover 18 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and is configured to cover and enclose the upper end of pit14 outside of grates 16. In the arrangement shown, as one example,unlike grates 16, cover 18 is formed of a plurality of solid sectionsthat prevent grain, dirt or debris from falling into the hollow interiorof pit 14. Like grates 16, cover 18 is strong enough to allow a truckand full dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 to drive over the cover 18.All or portions or sections of cover 18 may be lifted or removed toprovide access to the hollow interior of pit 14.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, pit 14 includes a sidewall 20that defines the outward sides of pit 14. In the arrangement shown, asone example, the upper end of sidewalls 20 receive and engage andsupport grates 16 and covers 18. In one arrangement, pit 14 is formed ofa poured concrete structure.

Center Conveyor System 22:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 includes a center conveyor system 22. Center conveyorsystem 22 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to transport or convey grain from side conveyor systems 82 toa grain transfer or storage device 116.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, center conveyor system 22extends a length from tail section 24, at its lower rearward end, tohead section 26, at its upper forward end. In the arrangement shown, asone example, center conveyor system 22 includes a horizontal section 130that extends from the rearward end of tail section 24 to the rearwardend of a corner section 132. This horizontal section 130 extends in agenerally flat, straight and horizontal manner and is configured toconvey grain received from side conveyor systems 82 under dual hopperbelly dump trailer 12 laterally a distance and out from under dualhopper belly dump trailer 12.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, corner section 132 connects tothe forward end of horizontal section 130 and curves upward and out ofplane with the horizontal section 130. The upward curvature of cornersection 132 allows for portions of center conveyor system 22 forward ofcorner section 132 to rise up and out of pit 14. In the arrangementshown, as one example, the forward end of corner section 132 connects tothe rearward end of inclined section 134.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, inclined section 134 connectsto the forward end of corner section 132 and extends upward and forwardat an angle in a generally straight manner before terminating at headsection 26 where the conveyed grain is dispensed into a grain transferor storage device 116.

Housing 28: In the arrangement shown, as one example, center conveyorsystem 22 is formed of a housing 28. Housing 28 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to house and guidebelt 30 as it moves grain. In the arrangement shown, as one example,housing 28 is formed of a plurality of segments 136. Segments 136connect to one another in end-to-end alignment to form housing 28 whichextends from tail section 24 to head section 26 and which extends acrosshorizontal section 130, corner section 132 and inclined section 134.

In the arrangement shown, segments 136 connect to one another inend-to-end alignment at flanges 138 to form the length of housing 28. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, flanges 138 extend outward fromhousing 28, in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length ofhousing 28, at the outward ends of segments 136 and include holes 140therein that receive fasteners therein that facilitate the connection ofadjacent segments 136 to form housing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, housing 28 and/or segments 136are formed of a top wall 142 and an opposing bottom wall 144 that extendin approximate parallel spaced relationship to one another. Top wall 142and opposing bottom wall 144 are generally flat and planar members thatinclude flanges 138 having holes 140 therein at their ends and/or sidesthat facilitate connection to the other components of housing 28.However, any other shape or configuration is hereby contemplated foruse.

In the arrangement shown, as one example a pan 146 or center wall ispositioned approximately at the center between top wall 142 and bottomwall 144. In the arrangement shown, as one example, pan 146 is agenerally flat and planar member.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, each outward end of pan 146 iscaptured between a pair of sidewall segments 148 that collectively forma sidewall 150. That is, in the arrangement shown, each side of housing28 and/or segments 136 are formed of a pair of sidewall segments 148. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls 150 extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another and are generallyflat and planar members that include flanges 138 having holes 140therein at their ends and/or sides that facilitate connection to theother components of housing 28. However, any other shape orconfiguration is hereby contemplated for use.

As such, in the arrangement shown, the planes formed by generally flatand planar top wall 142, bottom wall 144 and pan 146 extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In contrast, theplanes formed by the generally flat and planar sidewalls 150 extend inapproximate perpendicular alignment to the planes formed by generallyflat and planar top wall 142, bottom wall 144 and pan 146 extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In this way, in theconnection of top wall 142, bottom wall 144, pan 146 and sidewalls 150form a generally square or rectangular member when viewed from the end.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, top wall 142, bottom wall 144and sidewall segments 148 include flanges 138 that extend outward fromtheir sides and/or ends in approximate perpendicular alignment to thelength or plane formed of the component and/or to the length of housing28. These flanges 138 include holes 140 therein that receive fastenerstherein that facilitate the connection of adjacent components of housing28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example housing 28 forms a hollowinterior that is separated into an upper chamber 152 and a lower chamber154. In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper chamber 152 andlower chamber 154 are generally square or rectangular in shape whenviewed from an end. Upper chamber 152 is defined by the generally planarlower surface of top wall 142 at its upper end, the generally planarupper surface of pan 146 at its lower end, and the generally planarinterior-facing surfaces of opposing upper-positioned sidewall segments148 of sidewall 150. Similarly, lower chamber 154 is defined by thegenerally planar upper surface of bottom wall 144 at its lower end, thegenerally planar lower surface of pan 146 at its upper end, and thegenerally planar interior-facing surfaces of opposing lower-positionedsidewall segments 148 of sidewall 150.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper chamber 152 houses theconveying section of belt 30 therein whereas the lower chamber 154houses the return section of belt 30 therein. That is, upper chamber 152houses a portion of belt 30 that is traveling forward while carryinggrain. In contrast, lower chamber 154 houses a portion of belt 30 thatis traveling rearward while not carrying grain.

Housing 28 may be formed of any other suitable, size, shape andconfiguration so as to house and facilitate the operation of belt 30.

Belt 30: In the arrangement shown, as one example, center conveyorsystem 22 is configured to be used in association with a belt 30. Belt30 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to facilitate the transfer of grain from tail section 24 tohead section 26 of center conveyor system 22.

Notably, the term “belt” used herein is not meant to be limiting.Specifically, the term “belt” is not meant to be limited exclusively towhat is commonly known as a belt, such as a flexible length of fabric orplastic material. Instead, the term “belt” used herein is to beunderstood to mean any movable device or object or system that transfersor moves grain from one point, or a starting point, to another point, oran ending point.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, belt 30, which could also bedescribed as a conveyor, a chain, a drag chain, a high-side chain, ahigh-side conveyor, or the like, includes a plurality of links 32 thatconnect to one another. Links 32 are formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and are configured to connect to one another and facilitatemovement around the sprockets 40 positioned in the tail section 24 andhead section 26, as well as facilitate movement of grain through upperchamber 152 and the return of belt 30 through lower chamber 154.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, links 32 include a pair ofopposing sidewalls that extend in approximate parallel spaced relationto one another and connect at their forward and rearward ends to shaftsthat extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to the opposingsidewalls and connect opposing sidewalls to one another. Links 32 areconfigured to receive teeth of sprockets 40 connected to shafts 38 atthe tail section 24 and head section 26 thereby driving belt 30 throughhousing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, some but not all links 32include supports 34. Supports 34 are formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and are configured to extend outward from links 32 andprovide support to flights 36. In the arrangement shown, as one example,supports 34 are generally flat and straight bars that extend outward tothe sides of links a distance in a generally flat and straight manner.That is, in the arrangement shown, as one example, supports 34 extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to the plane formed by top wall142, bottom wall 144 and pan 146, and extend in approximateperpendicular alignment to the plane formed by sidewalls 150. In thearrangement shown, as one example, supports 34 connect to and supportflights 36.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, supports 34 of links 32connect to and support flights 36. Flights 36 are formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and are configured to increase the surface areaof links 32 and supports 34 so as to facilitate the transfer of grainfrom tail section 24 to head section 26. In the arrangement shown, asone example, flights 36 are generally flat and planar members that whenviewed from the front side or rear side are generally square orrectangular and include a cut-out section 156 around links 32. Thiscut-out section 156 around links 32 provides clearance for the teeth ofsprockets 40 of shafts 38 to engage links 32 thereby driving belt 30through housing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, flights 36 are connected tothe forward side or the direction-of-travel side of supports 34. In thisway, supports 34 push flights 36 forward. In the arrangement shown, asone example, a plurality of fasteners 158 extend through flights 36 andsupports 34 thereby connecting flights 36 to supports 34 and links 32.Fasteners 158 may be formed of any fastening device such as screws,bolts, snap-fit features, friction-fit features, or the like or anycombination thereof.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, while most of the componentsof housing 28 are made of metal, such as top wall 142, bottom wall 144,pan 146, sidewalls 150, links 32 and supports 34, among othercomponents, in one arrangement flights 36 are formed of a plastic orcomposite or non-metallic material, such as an ultra-high molecularweight polyethylene (UHMW) or other UHMW or similar material. In someembodiments, using a non-metallic material may provide a number ofbenefits including, for example, being easier or softer on the grain,being easier on the other components of the system, being more-durablethan metal, being self-lubricating, being lighter than metal, beinglower friction, being impact resistant, and/or eliminating metal onmetal contact among many other benefits.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when upper chamber 152 isviewed from an end, the upper surface of flights 36 are generally flatand straight and extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to thelower surface of the top wall 142. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, when viewed from an end, the lower surface of flights 36 aregenerally flat and straight, with cut-out section 156 therein, andextend in approximate parallel relation to the upper surface of the pan146. In one arrangement, under the force of gravity, the lower surfaceof flights 36 engage and/or slide over the upper surface of pan 146. Oneof the benefits of using a composite or non-metallic material forflights 36 is that this reduces wear on the upper surface of pan 146 asflights 36 slide over pan 146. In addition, the self-lubricatingcharacteristics of the material of flights 36 reduce friction. In thearrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from an end, the sidesurfaces of flights 36 are generally flat and straight and extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to the interior surface of sidewallsegments 148. In this way, flights 36 increase the surface area of links32 and fill a larger portion of the hollow interior of upper chamber 152thereby helping to facilitate the movement of grain through upperchamber 152.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when lower chamber 154 isviewed from an end, belt 30 is inverted as compared to upper chamber 152due to looping around head section 26. In this arrangement, the uppersurface of flights 36 are generally flat and straight, with cut-outsection 156 therein, and extend in approximate parallel spaced relationto the lower surface of the pan 146. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, when viewed from an end, the lower surface of flights 36 aregenerally flat and straight and extend in approximate parallel relationto the upper surface of the bottom wall 144. In one arrangement, underthe force of gravity, the lower surface of flights 36 engage and/orslide over the upper surface of bottom wall 144. One of the benefits ofusing a composite or non-metallic material for flights 36 is that thisreduces wear on the upper surface of bottom wall 144 as flights 36 slideover pan 146. In addition, the self-lubricating characteristics of thematerial of flights 36 reduce friction. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, when viewed from an end, the side surfaces of flights 36 aregenerally flat and straight and extend in approximate parallel spacedrelation to the interior surface of sidewall segments 148. In this way,flights 36 increase the surface area of links 32 and fill a largerportion of the hollow interior of lower chamber 154.

Guides 160: In the arrangement shown, as one example, in both upperchamber 152 and lower chamber 154, flights 36 are relatively closelymatched to the size and shape of the hollow interior of the chamber 152,154. As such, belt 30 cannot drift too much in any direction as outwardedges of flights 36 will engage the interior surface of the chamber 152,154 thereby maintaining the generally centered position of belt 30within chamber 152, 154. However, it is desirable to provide someclearance so as to minimize contact and minimize friction and minimizewear and tear on the components of the system 10.

To drive belt 30 through housing 28 the teeth of sprockets 40 of shafts38 at the tail section 24 and head section 26 engage links 32. Providingcut-out section 156 in flights 36 facilitates this accessibility oflinks 32 by teeth of sprockets 40 of shafts 38 at the tail section 24and head section 26. If cut-out section 156 was not present in flights36 at and around the lower side or interior side of links 32 the flights36 would block engagement of the teeth of sprockets 40 of shafts 38 atthe tail section 24 and head section 26 thereby preventing driving ofbelt 30 through housing 28.

However, providing cut-out section 156 in flights 36 leaves an areabelow links 32 where grain can accumulate. This accumulated grain isinaccessible by flights 36 or any other component of the system 10. Assuch, this accumulated grain can remain in the void or space formed bycut-out sections 156 when belt 30 operates which is undesirable. Overtime this accumulated grain can rot and can cause damage to the housing28 as well as contribute to plugs.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a guide 160 is placed withinthe void formed by cut-out sections 156. Guide 160 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate numerouspurposes. Guide 160 is configured to fill much of the void formed bycut-out sections 156 between the sprockets 40 positioned at the headsection 26 and tail section 24 thereby preventing the accumulation ofinaccessible grain in this space. Guide 160 is configured to shed grainto the sides of the void formed by cut-out sections 156 so that thegrain is accessible by flights 36 so that the grain can be moved throughhousing 28. Guide 160 is also configured to provide guidance andalignment to belt 30 within housing 28 thereby maintaining a generallycentrally positioned alignment of belt 30 within housing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, guide 160 is connected to theupper surface of pan 146 in a generally centrally positioned location.In the arrangement shown, as one example, guide 160 extends most if notall of the length of housing 28 from just inward of sprocket 40 at tailsection 24 to just inward of sprocket 40 at head section 26. Thetermination of guide 160 just inward of sprocket 40 at tail section 24and just inward of sprocket 40 at head section 26 allows the sprockets40 to engage links 32 of belt 30.

Guide 160 is connected to the upper surface of pan 146 by any manner,method or means. In one arrangement, guide 160 is a separate componentfrom pan 146 and is connected to the upper surface of pan 146 by anymanner, method or means such as being screwed, bolted, welded, adhered,or any combination thereof, or connected in any other way. In onearrangement, guide 160 may be formed as part of pan 146 bending,pressing, crimping, molding, machining or otherwise forming the featuresof guide 160 into or out of pan 146.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from an end, guide160 includes a pair of opposing sidewalls 162. In the arrangement shown,as one example, sidewalls 162 are generally flat and straight membersthat extend in approximate parallels paced relation to one another. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls 162 connect at theirlower end to the upper surface of pan 146 and extend upward inapproximate perpendicular alignment to the plane formed by the uppersurface of pan 146. In the arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls162 connect at their upper end to the lower edge of end walls 164. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, end walls 164 are generally flatand straight members that connect at their lower end to the upper end ofsidewalls 162 and angle upward and inward toward one another until theyconnect to one another at their upper end at a peak 166 or point.

By guide 160 having peak 166 with end walls 164 that angle downward andoutward therefrom, guide 160 helps to shed or direct grain that entersthe void formed by cut-out sections 156 of flights 36 downward andoutward such that this grain is then engaged by flights 36 and movedthrough housing 28. That is, guide 160 serves the purpose of bothfilling the void formed by cut-out sections 156 of flights 36 as well asshedding or directing grain out of the void formed by cut-out sections156 of flights 36. In this way, guide 160 helps to prevent the build-upof stagnant grain within the void formed by cut-out sections 156 offlights 36.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, peak 166 of guide 160 isgenerally centrally positioned below links 32. In the arrangement shown,as one example, a small space is positioned between the lower surface oflinks 32 and the upper surface of peak 166 and/or end walls 164. Thissmall space minimizes the amount of grain that can build up in thisspace. In an alternative arrangement, the lower surface of links 32engages the upper surface of peak 166 and/or end walls 164 which allowsguide 160 to provide guidance and alignment to belt 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the exterior surface ofsidewalls 162 of guide 160 terminate just inward of the inward facingopposing sides of cut-out section 156 of flights 36. In the arrangementshown, as one example, a small space is positioned between the inwardfacing opposing sides of cut-out section 156 of flights 36 and theoutward facing opposing sides of sidewalls 162. This small spaceminimizes the amount of grain that can build up in this space. In analternative arrangement, the exterior surface of sidewalls 162 of guide160 engage the inward facing opposing sides of cut-out section 156 offlights 36 which allows guide 160 to provide guidance and alignment tobelt 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the space formed by cut-outsection 156 is slightly oversized to the exterior peripheral shape ofguide 160. This slight-oversizing minimizes contact between guide 160and the flights 36 and/or links 32 which reduces friction and reduceswear and tear on the components. However, this tolerance or clearancealso allows belt 30 to drift slightly within upper chamber 152. If belt30 drifts too far to one side or the other, the exterior surface ofsidewalls 162 of guide 160 engage the inward facing opposing sides ofcut-out section 156 of flights 36 thereby causing guide 160 to provideguidance and alignment to belt 30 thereby maintaining the generallycentrally positioned alignment of belt 30 within upper chamber 152.

As one example, with reference to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 , belt 30 isgenerally centrally positioned over and around guide 160. In thisexample, the lower surface of links 32 are free from engagement with theupper surface of peak 166 and/or end walls 164. In this example, theinward facing opposing sides of cut-out section 156 of flights 36 arefree from engagement with the exterior surface of sidewalls 162 of guide160. As such, in this example, belt 30 is essentially free-floatingaround guide 160 without contact between belt 30 and guide 160.

As one example, with reference to FIG. 28A, belt 30 has shifted slightlyto the right. In this example, the lower surface of links 32 are freefrom engagement with the upper surface of peak 166 and/or end walls 164.In this example, the left-positioned inward facing opposing side ofcut-out section 156 of flights 36 is in engagement with theleft-positioned exterior surface of sidewall 162 of guide 160. As such,in this example, belt 30 is in engagement with and guided by guide 160which prevents belt 30 from drifting farther to the right.

As one example, with reference to FIG. 28B, belt 30 has shifted slightlyto the left. In this example, the lower surface of links 32 are freefrom engagement with the upper surface of peak 166 and/or end walls 164.In this example, the right-positioned inward facing opposing side ofcut-out section 156 of flights 36 is in engagement with theright-positioned exterior surface of sidewall 162 of guide 160. As such,in this example, belt 30 is in engagement with and guided by guide 160which prevents belt 30 from drifting farther to the left.

Guide 160 may be formed of any other size, shape and design. As grain isnot carried in lower chamber 154, and belt 30 is inverted in lowerchamber 154, no guide 160 is present in lower chamber 154.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 21 ,the length of guide 160 is offset with respect to the ends of segments136. That is, guide 160 extends past one end of pan 146 so as tofacilitate overlapping of the guide 160 attached to the pan 146 of onesegment 136 with the pan 146 of an adjacent segment 136. This staggeredalignment helps to ease assembly of housing 28, strengthens housing 28once assembled, and helps to provide alignment of guide 160 acrossmultiple segments 136.

In addition, in the arrangement shown, as one example, a splice plate168 is positioned on the lower side of pan 146 below the overlappingportion of guide 160. Like the end of guide 160, splice plate 168extends past the end of pan 146 a distance. In the arrangement shown, asone example, when viewed from the side, such as that shown in FIG. 24 ,the outward end of splice plate 168 angles slightly downward as itextends outward. This downward angle provides a funnel or angular guidethat assists with alignment of the ends of adjacent pans 146. Onceassembled, splice plate 168 helps to maintain the ends of adjacent pansat the seam between two connected segments 136 in precise alignment soas to minimize any offset at the seam. The presence of the overlappingportion of guide 160 on the upper side of pan 146 with the overlappingportion of splice plate 168 on the lower side of pan 146 strengthens theconnection between adjacent segments 136 and facilitates a smootherupper surface of pan 146 along the length of housing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, belt 30 travels throughhousing 28 driven by a shaft 38 and sprocket 40 at the tail section 24and the head section 26.

Shaft 38 and Sprocket 40: In the arrangement shown, as one example,center conveyor system 22 is configured to be used in association with ashaft 38 and sprocket 40. Shaft 38 and sprocket 40 may be formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate thedriving of belt 30 through housing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a shaft 38 and sprocket 40 arepositioned in the tail section 24 as well as the head section 26 ofcenter conveyor system 22. The following description applies to bothtail section 24 as well as the head section 26 unless specificallystated otherwise.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, shaft 38 is a generallycylindrical elongated shaft that extends across center conveyor system22 from sidewall 150 to sidewall 150 at both tail section 24 as well asthe head section 26. In the arrangement shown, as one example, shaft 38extends through and outward from sidewall 150 a distance.

In the arrangement shown, a bearing 42 is positioned adjacent to theintersection of sidewall 150 and shaft 38 on each side of housing 28 atboth tail section 24 as well as the head section 26. Bearings 42 areformed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured tofacilitate rotation of shaft 38. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, bearings 42 are what are known as self-contained bearings orsealed bearings and are positioned on the outside of housing 28. It iswell known that grain dust can be explosive, in addition grain isflammable. By using sealed or self-contained bearings 42 and placingthese bearings 42 on the exterior of housing 28, or more specifically onthe exterior of sidewalls 150, this reduces the potential for explosionor fire.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, bearings 42 of head section 26are connected to a take up 44. Take-up 44 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and facilitates tightening and loosening of belt30 by moving the position of bearings 42 and/or shaft 38. In thearrangement shown, as one example, take-up 44 at head section 26 isformed of a threaded shaft having a hex-head member that facilitatesrotation of the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft is connected to ahousing that holds bearing 42 and shaft 38. As the shaft of take-up 44is rotated the position of bearing 42 and shaft 38 is adjusted, therebytightening or loosening the tension on belt 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, shafts 38 of tail section 24as well as the head section 26 include a sprocket 40. Sprocket 40 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured torotate with shaft 38 and transfer this rotation to belt 30. In thearrangement shown, as one example, sprocket 40 is generally centrallypositioned between the ends of shaft 38. In the arrangement shown, asone example, sprocket 40 is positioned to align with links 32 of belt30. In the arrangement shown, as one example, sprocket 40 is generallycentrally positioned within cut-out section 156 of flights 36. In thearrangement shown, as one example, sprocket 40 is a generally circularmember having a plurality of teeth extending around its exteriorcircumference. These teeth are configured to engage links 32 of belt 30thereby driving belt 30 through housing 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, shaft 38 and sprocket 40 arepositioned adjacent the end of pan 146 of housing 28. In the arrangementshown, as one example, belt 30 wraps around shaft 38 and sprocket 40 attail section 24 which transitions belt 30 from traveling rearwardthrough lower chamber 154 to traveling forward in upper chamber 152.Similarly, in the arrangement shown, as one example, belt 30 wrapsaround shaft 38 and sprocket 40 at head section 26 which transitionsbelt 30 from traveling forward through upper chamber 152 to travelingrearward in lower chamber 154.

In the arrangement shown, grain is received by belt 30 adjacent tailsection 24 in upper chamber 152 and above the upper surface of pan 146.This grain is transported along center conveyor system 22 along theupper surface of pan 146 by the links 32, supports 34 and flights 36 ofbelt 30. As this grain is transported, belt 30 is guided by guide 160positioned within the cut-out section 156 of flights 36 while guide 160simultaneously prevents grain from filling the void formed by cut-outsection 156 of flights 36 between tail section 24 and head section 26.This grain that would have filled the void formed by cut-out section 156is shed to the sides of cut-out section 156 by the angled upper endwalls 164 and peak 166 of guide 160 causing this grain to be engaged byflights 36 and transported by belt 30.

Similarities Between Center Conveyor System 22 and Side Conveyor Systems82: Center conveyor system 22 and side conveyor systems 82 have theirdifferences. However, center conveyor system 22 and side conveyorsystems 82 have substantial similarities. As such, to reduce redundancy,unless stated specifically herein, the above disclosure, as well asother disclosure herein, related to center conveyor system 22 appliesequally to side conveyor systems 82. That is, teaching related tohousing 28 of center conveyor system 22 applies to housing 88 of sideconveyor systems 82 and include the common components of belt 30, links32, supports 34, flights 36, segments 136, flanges 138, holes 140, topwall 142, bottom wall 144, pan 146, sidewalls segments 148, sidewalls150, upper chamber 152, lower chamber 154, cut-out section 156,fasteners 158, guide 160 having sidewalls 162, end walls 164 and peak166 and splice plate 168 among other features, components and systems.

Motor Assembly 48:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 is configured to be used in association with motorassembly 46. Motor assembly 46 may be formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and is configured to convert electrical power into rotationthereby driving center conveyor system 22 as well as side conveyorsystems 82.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor assembly 46 is connectedto shaft 38 adjacent head section 26 of center conveyor system 22.However it is hereby contemplated to connect motor assembly 46 to anyother portion of system 10 such as to tail section 24 of center conveyorsystem 22, tail section 84 or head section 86 of either of the sideconveyor systems 82, to power transfer section 66 between centerconveyor system 22 and side conveyor systems 82, or to any other portionor component of system 10.

One of the benefits of connecting motor assembly 46 to head section 26of center conveyor system 22 is that this places motor 48 and the othercomponents of motor assembly 46 outside of pit 14 and above ground in aneasily accessible area free of the space constraints associated withplacing motor assembly 46 in pit 14 and free of the possibility thatmotor 48 could be submerged in water if pit 14 ever filled up withwater. This positioning allows for easy repair and replacement of motor48 and the other components of motor assembly 46. Positioning motorassembly 46 and motor 48 up in the air and not in pit 14 also allows forthe free movement of air around motor 48 which helps to cool and/ormoderate the temperature of motor 48 thereby extending the life of motor48.

One of the benefits of the single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10is that the system 10 only utilizes a single motor 48. Using only asingle motor 48 reduces the cost of the system 10 by eliminating extramotors 48 and motor assemblies 46 that are required to connect the motor48 to the system 10 as well as the electronics that are required tocontrol operation of the motor 48. Using only a single motor 48 reducesthe cost and complexity of wiring the system 10 as only a single motor48 needs to be wired, powered, and controlled. Using only a single motor48 reduces the cost and complexity of maintenance of the system 10 asonly a single motor 48 and motor assembly 46 must be serviced, repairedand/or replaced. Using only a single motor 48 ensures the system 10 runsoptimally as all moving components move from the motion provided bymotor 48 all moving components move in unison and simultaneously. Thiseliminates the possibility that one motor runs faster than anotherthereby causing balancing and/or plugging problems. This also eliminatesthe possibility that one motor is on while the other motor is offthereby causing plugging problems. This also eliminates the complexityand cost associated with wiring and powering and precisely controllingmultiple motors 48. As such, using only a single motor 48 and thereforusing only a single motor assembly 46 provides many benefits.

However, using only a single motor 48 and motor assembly 46 causes anumber of complexities. One substantial complexity is how to cause eachof the movable members, such as center conveyor system 22 and sideconveyor systems 82, to move based on movement of a single motor 48.Another substantial complexity is how to cause each of the movablemembers, such as center conveyor system 22 and side conveyor systems 82,to move at the desired speed based on movement of a single motor 48.That is, it may be desirable to have center conveyor system 22 and sideconveyor systems 82 to move at different speeds relative to one another.Another substantial complexity is how to cause provide enough power froma single motor 48 to power all of the movable members, such as centerconveyor system 22 and side conveyor systems 82, without breaking parts,wearing out parts, and/or requiring excessive maintenance or repair.That is, there are substantial complexities in making the system 10strong and robust enough while not making the system 10cost-prohibitive. These and countless other complexities are associatedwith using only a single motor 48 to operate system 10.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor assembly 46 includes amotor 48, motor bracket 50, take-ups 52, output shaft 54, a powertransfer section 56 having a first pulley 58, a second pulley 60 and aconnector 62, and a gearbox 64 among other features, components andsystems as is described herein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor assembly 46 includes amotor 48. Motor 48 may be formed of any suitable size shape and designand is configured to convert electrical energy into rotational energythat powers system 10. In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor48 is formed of a conventional electrical motor, such as a three-phaseelectric motor or the like. However, any other form of a motor or engineis hereby contemplated for use such as an internal combustion motor orengine, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or any other device thatfacilitates rotation or the delivery of power to the system 10.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor 48 is connected to motorbracket 50. Motor bracket 50 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to connect motor 48 adjacent head section 26 ofcenter conveyor system 22. Placing motor assembly 46 adjacent headsection 26 of center conveyor system 22 is convenient as it is outsideof the pit 14 which reduces the cost and complexity of forming pit 14 ina manner to house motor 48 as well as the other components of motorassembly 46. Placing motor assembly 46 adjacent head section 26 alsoprovides the benefit of making motor 48 and motor assembly 46 easilyassessable for maintenance and repair purposes. In addition, placingmotor assembly 46 adjacent head section 26 also provides the benefit ofhaving free flowing air around the motor 48 and motor assembly 46 whichcools the motor 48 and motor assembly 46. This is among many otherbenefits.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor bracket 50 includes oneor more take-ups 52. Take-ups 52 are formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and facilitate tightening and loosening and adjustment ofmotor assembly 46 by moving the location of motor 48 and/or output shaft54 of motor 48. In the arrangement shown, as one example, take-ups 52are formed of threaded shafts having a hex-head member that facilitatesrotation of the threaded shaft. The threaded shafts are connected to apair of movable members of motor bracket 50. As the shafts of take-up 52are rotated the position of motor 48 and output shaft 54 is adjusted,thereby tightening or loosening the tension on connector 62.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor 48, or more specificallyoutput shaft 54 of motor 48, is connected to power transfer section 56of motor assembly 46. Power transfer section 56 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to transfer rotationof output shaft 54 of motor 48 to center conveyor system 22. In thearrangement shown, as one example, power transfer section 56 includes afirst pulley 58 that is connected to output shaft 54 of motor 48. Firstpulley 58 is connected to second pulley 60 by connector 62, which in thearrangement shown, is a plurality of belts. One of the benefits of thesystem 10 is that essentially the gear ratio can be changed by changingthe diameter of first pulley 58 and/or second pulley 60. As such, asmotor 48 rotates, so rotates first pulley 58 which moves connector 62which causes rotation of second pulley 60. It is hereby contemplatedthat additional or intermediary pulleys could be used. In addition, itis hereby contemplated that gears and chains may be used to replacefirst pulley 58, second pulley 60 and connector 62.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, second pulley 60 connects toshaft 170 of gearbox 64. Gearbox 64 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured to transfer rotation of second pulley60 to rotation of shaft 38 at the head section 26. In the arrangementshown, as one example, gearbox 64 connects to shaft 38 at head section26 of center conveyor system 22.

Notably, a guard 172 is placed around first pulley 58, second pulley 60and connector 62 so as to prevent access to these moving components soas to increase safety and reduce accidents.

As such, in the arrangement shown, when motor 48 is powered, theinternal components of motor 48 rotate which causes output shaft 54 ofmotor 48 to rotate. As the output shaft 54 of motor 48 rotates, thiscauses first pulley 58 to rotate. As first pulley 58 rotates, thiscauses connector 62 to move. As connector 62 moves, this causes secondpulley 60 to rotate. As second pulley 60 rotates, this causes shaft 170of gearbox 64 to rotate. As shaft 170 rotates, this causes the internalcomponents of gearbox 64 to rotate, which causes shaft 38 of headsection 26 to rotate. As shaft 38 of head section 26 rotates, thiscauses sprocket 40 to rotate. As sprocket 40 rotates, the teeth ofsprocket 40 mesh with the links 32 of belt 30 which causes belt 30 torotate around shaft 38 and sprocket 40.

As shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of head section 26 rotate, and teeth ofsprocket 40 mesh with the links 32 of belt 30 in cut-out section 156 offlights 36. As shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of head section 26 rotate, andteeth of sprocket 40 mesh with the links 32 of belt 30, this causes belt30 to be pulled along the upper surface of pan 146 within upper chamber152. As shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of head section 26 rotate, and teeth ofsprocket 40 mesh with the links 32 of belt 30, this causes belt 30 to bereturned through lower chamber 154.

When belt 30 reaches tail section 24, shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of tailsection 24 rotate, and teeth of sprocket 40 mesh with the links 32 ofbelt 30 in cut-out section 156 of flights 36. As shaft 38 and sprocket40 of tail section 24 rotate, and teeth of sprocket 40 mesh with thelinks 32 of belt 30, this causes belt 30 to move through lower chamber154.

When belt 30 travels over shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of head section 26belt 30 transitions from moving forward (from tail section 24 to headsection 26) through upper chamber 152 to moving rearward (from headsection 26 to tail section 24) through lower chamber 154.

When belt 30 travels over shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of tail section 24belt 30 transitions from moving rearward (from head section 26 to tailsection 24) through lower chamber 154 to moving forward (from tailsection 24 to head section 26) through upper chamber 152.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when belt 30 moves throughupper chamber 152, the bottom surface of flights 36 slide over the uppersurface of pan 146 as the belt moves over guide 160 which is positionedwithin cut-out sections 156 of flights 36. When grain is poured intocenter conveyor system 22 adjacent tail section 24, the grain lands onthe upper surface of pan 146 and is urged forward by flights 36 as thegrain slides along the upper surface of pan 146. Once the grain reachesthe head section 26, the grain is dumped out of opening 174 in headsection 26 and into grain transfer or storage device 116. Opening 174 ispositioned in the lower and forward side of head section 26 just pastthe outward end of pan 146. Once the grain moves past the outward end ofpan 146 the grain falls by way of gravity, along with the urging offorward moving flights 36, through opening 174.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the rotation and movement ofbelt 30 of center conveyor system 22 is transferred to movement of belts30 of side conveyor systems 82 by power transfer section 66 of tailsection 24.

Power Transfer Section 66 of Tail Section 24:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tail section 24 includes apower transfer section 66. Power transfer section 66 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to transfer rotationof center conveyor system 22 to simultaneous rotation of side conveyorsystems 82.

Power transfer section 56 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to transfer rotation of shaft 38 of tailsection 24 of center conveyor system 22 to rotation of shafts 98 andsprockets 100 of tail section 84 of side conveyor systems 82. In thearrangement shown, as one example, power transfer section 66 includes afirst pulley 68 that is connected to shaft 38 of tail section 24 ofcenter conveyor system 22. First pulley 68 is connected to second pulley70 by connector 72. In the arrangement shown, first pulley 68 and secondpulley 70 are pulleys with teeth therein and connector 72 is a chainthat meshes with the teeth of first pulley 68 and second pulley 70thereby driving simultaneous rotation of one another.

One of the benefits of the system 10 is that essentially the gear ratiocan be changed by changing the diameter of first pulley 68 and/or secondpulley 70. As such, as shaft 38 of tail section 24 of center conveyorsystem 22 rotates, so rotates first pulley 68 which moves connector 72which causes rotation of second pulley 70. It is hereby contemplatedthat additional or intermediary pulleys could be used. In addition, itis hereby contemplated that a belt and pulley arrangement may be usedinstead of gears and chains for first pulley 68, second pulley 70 andconnector 72.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, second pulley 70 connects toshaft 176. Shaft 176 extends across tail section 24 of center conveyorsystem 22 adjacent the upper side of top wall 142 of housing 28. Shaft176 connects to the shaft 98 of tail sections 84 of both side conveyorsystems 82.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, shaft 176 connects to a pairof gearboxes 74. Each gearbox 74 connects to a shaft 98 of a tailsection 84 of a side conveyor systems 82.

Gearboxes 74 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to transfer rotation of second pulley 70 and shaft 176 torotation of shaft 98 at the tail section 84 of both side conveyorsystems 82. In the arrangement shown, as one example, gearboxes 74 arewhat are known as 90° gearboxes in that they transfer rotation from oneplane or axis of rotation to rotation in a second plane or axis ofrotation wherein the plane or axis of rotation is approximatelyperpendicular to one another. Gears of this nature are also oftenreferred to as bevel gears. In the arrangement shown, as one example,gearboxes 74 include a first section 76 that is connected to shaft 176and rotates with rotation of shaft 176. The gears of first section 76mesh with gears of a second section 78. Second section 78 is connectedto the rearward end of shafts 98 of tail section 84 of side conveyorsystems 82.

In this way, rotation of shaft 176 of power transfer section 66 of tailsection 24 of center conveyor system 22 causes rotation of shafts 98positioned in tail section 84 of both side conveyor systems 82. Notably,rotation of shaft 176 of power transfer section 66 of tail section 24 ofcenter conveyor system 22 is in an approximate perpendicular alignmentto rotation of shafts 98 positioned in tail section 84 of both sideconveyor systems 82 which is accomplished by the translation of rotationby a gearbox 74 associated with each shaft 98 positioned in tail section84 of side conveyor systems 82.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, to facilitate this rotation, abearing 178 is positioned on each outward side of gearboxes 74. Bearings178 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and facilitaterotation of one component with respect to another component.

In addition, to facilitate assembly and disassembly of this complexpower transfer section 66 a plurality of couplers 80 are locatedthroughout power transfer section 66. Couplers 80 are formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and facilitate the connection of shaftsand the rotation of shafts also allow for the disassembly or separationof components. The presence of couplers 80 allows for a user to takeapart portions of power transfer section 66 while leaving other portionsof power transfer section 66. In the arrangement shown, as one example,a pair of couplers 80 are positioned along the length of shaft 176between gearboxes 74. Another coupler 80 is positioned between gearboxes74 and shaft 98 of tail section 84 of side conveyor systems 82. Thesecouplers 80 allow a gearbox 74 to be removed and replaced when necessarywithout having to disturb the other gearbox 74 or other components ofpower transfer section 66, or side conveyor systems 82 or centerconveyor system 22. The presence of couplers 80 provide substantial timesavings when repairs are needed.

Notably, a guard 180 is placed around first pulley 68, second pulley 70and connector 72 so as to prevent access to these moving components soas to increase safety and reduce accidents.

As such, in the arrangement shown, when motor 48 is powered, this causesrotation of belt 30 of center conveyor system 22 through housing 28. Asbelt 30 rotates, shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of tail section 24 of centerconveyor system 22 rotate, and teeth of sprocket 40 mesh with the links32 of belt 30 in cut-out section 156 of flights 36. When belt 30 travelsover shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of tail section 24 belt 30 transitionsfrom moving rearward (from head section 26 to tail section 24) throughlower chamber 154 to moving forward (from tail section 24 to headsection 26) through upper chamber 152.

As shaft 38 and sprocket 40 of tail section 24 of center conveyor system22 rotate this causes first pulley 68 to rotate. As first pulley 68rotates, this causes connector 72 to move. As connector 72 moves, thiscauses second pulley 70 to rotate. As second pulley 70 rotates, thiscauses shaft 176 to rotate. As shaft 176 rotates, this causes gearboxes74 to rotate. More specifically, as shaft 176 rotates, this causes thefirst section 76 of gearboxes 64, which are affixed to shaft 176, torotate. As the first section 76 of gearboxes 64 rotate with shaft 176,the meshing engagement of the teeth of first section 76 with secondsection 78 causes the second section 78 of gearboxes 74 to rotate. Asthe second section 78 of gearboxes 64 rotate this causes shafts 98 oftail sections 84 of side conveyor systems 82 to rotate. As shafts 98 oftail sections 84 of side conveyor systems 82 rotate, this causessprockets 100 to rotate. As sprockets 100 rotates, the teeth of sprocket100 mesh with the links 32 of belt 30 of side conveyor systems 82 whichcauses belt 30 to rotate around shaft 98 and sprocket 100 therebydriving the motion of belts 30 of side conveyor systems 82 simultaneouswith the driving the motion of belts 30 of center conveyor system 22.

Side Conveyor System 82:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, single drive dual hopperconveyor system 10 includes a pair of side conveyor systems 82. Sideconveyor systems 82 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and designand is configured to receive grain from dual hopper belly dump trailer12 and convey it to the center conveyor system 22.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, two side conveyor systems 82are positioned in approximate linear alignment with one another at thetail section 24 of center conveyor system 22. In the arrangement shown,as one example, each side conveyor system 82 is approximately identicalbut a mirror image of one another. As such, unless stated otherwise,reference to a side conveyor system 82 applies to both side conveyorsystems 82.

In addition, as is stated herein, while center conveyor system 22 andside conveyor systems 82 have their differences, they have substantialsimilarities. As such, to reduce redundancy, unless stated specificallyherein, disclosure related to center conveyor system 22 applies equallyto side conveyor systems 82. That is, teaching related to housing 28 ofcenter conveyor system 22 applies to housing 88 of side conveyor systems82 and center conveyor system 22 and side conveyor systems 82 includethe common components of belt 30, links 32, supports 34, flights 36,segments 136, flanges 138, holes 140, top wall 142, bottom wall 144, pan146, sidewalls segments 148, sidewalls 150, upper chamber 152, lowerchamber 154, cut-out section 156, fasteners 158, guide 160 havingsidewalls 162, end walls 164 and peak 166 and splice plate 168 amongother features, components and systems.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, side conveyor systems 82extend a length from tail section 84, at their outward end, to headsection 86, at their inward end. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, side conveyor systems 82 extend in approximate straight,horizontal and level manner from tail section 84 to head section 86. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, side conveyor systems 82 arealigned with one another in a generally straight and linear manner withtheir head sections 86 positioned away from one another and their tailsections 84 positioned toward one another.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, side conveyor systems 82include a shaft 98 that extends across housing 88 at tail section 84 aswell as at head section 86 and includes sprocket 100 thereon thatengages and drives belt 30 through housing 88. Shaft 98 connects tobearings 102 positioned on the outside of housing 88 that facilitaterotation of shaft 98. Side conveyor systems 82 include take-ups 104 attheir tail section 84 that facilitate selective tensioning of sideconveyor systems 82. Housing 88 of side conveyor systems 82 is similarto housing 28 of center conveyor system 22. Shaft 98 and sprocket 100 ofside conveyor systems 82 is similar to shaft 38 and sprocket 40 ofcenter conveyor system 22. Bearings 102 of side conveyor systems 82 aresimilar to bearings 42 of center conveyor system 22. Take-ups 104 ofside conveyor systems 82 is similar to take-ups 44 of center conveyorsystem 22.

Hopper 106: In the arrangement shown, a hopper 106 is connected to thetop wall 142 of housing 88 adjacent the outward end or head section 86of each side conveyor system 82. Hopper 106 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to catch grain falling out of ahopper 126 of dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 and funnel it to land onthe upper surface of pan 146 of side conveyor systems 82 adjacent tailsection 84.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, hopper 106 includes a pair ofend walls 108 and a pair of sidewalls 110 that extend from an upper end112 to a lower end 114. In the arrangement shown, as one example, hopper106 connects at its lower end 114 to an opening in top wall 142 ofhousing 88. In this way, hopper 106 provides access or a passageway forgrain to reach pan 146 of upper chamber 152 of side conveyor systems 82so that the grain can be moved toward center conveyor system 22 by belt30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, end walls 108 extendvertically upward from top wall 142 at the tail section 84 side and headsection 86 side of hopper 106. In the arrangement shown, as one example,end walls 108 extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to thelength of side conveyor systems 82. The upper end 112 of end walls 108widens as it extends upward so as to match the outward angling ofsidewalls 110

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls 110 extendvertically upward from top wall 142 at the sides of hopper 106.Sidewalls 110 also angle outward as they extend upward from lower end114 to upper end 112. In the arrangement shown, as one example,sidewalls 110 extend in approximate parallel alignment to the length ofside conveyor systems 82.

In this way, the upper end 112 of hoppers 106 are substantially widerthan the lower end 114 of hopper 106. This wider upper end 112 of hopper106 is configured to catch grain as it falls out of hopper 126 of dualhopper belly dump trailer 12. This narrower lower end 114 of hopper 106is configured to funnel this caught grain to land on the upper surfaceof pan 146 of upper chamber 152 of side conveyor system 82 so that itcan be carried to center conveyor system 22.

Hoppers 106 are sized and shaped and spaced apart from one another tomatch the spacing of hoppers 126 of conventional dual hopper belly dumptrailers 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper end 112of hoppers 106 connect to, or terminate just before, the lower end ofgrates 16 of pit 14. As such, in this way, grain falls from hopper 126of dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 through grates 16 and into the wideopen mouth of hopper 106 just below grate 16 and then into side conveyorsystem 82. Additional length and width to grates 16 and hoppers 106provide variability for parking of trailer 12 over pit 14 as well asvariability in the location of hoppers 126 in the bottom wall 122 ofdual hopper belly dump trailers 12 between makes and models of trailers12.

Transition Section 182: In the arrangement shown, as one example, thetail section 84 of side conveyor systems 82 connect to a transitionsection 182 and transition section 182 connects to tail section 24 ofcenter conveyor system 22. Transition section 182 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to connect adjacenttail sections 84 of side conveyor systems 82 and allow for grainconveyed by side conveyor systems 82 to be deposited upon the uppersurface of pan 146 of upper chamber 152 of tail section 24 of centerconveyor system 22.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, transition section 182, andthe length of side conveyor systems 82, are positioned above the tailsection 24 of center conveyor system 22. In this way, grain conveyed bybelts 30 of side conveyor systems 82 may be deposited by gravity ontothe upper surface of pan 146 of tail section 24 of center conveyorsystem 22.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, transition section 182generally continues the size and shape of housing 88 of side conveyorsystem 82 past tail sections 84 a distance. However, transition section182 leaves a space or hollow interior between the shafts 98 of tailsections 84 of adjacent side conveyor systems 82. In this way, when thebelts 30 of side conveyor systems 82 reach transition section 182, thebelts 30 pass the inward end of pan 146 and wrap around the rotatingshaft 98 and sprocket 100 at tail section 84. In doing so, the graincarried by side conveyor system 82 is deposited upon the upper surfaceof pan 146 of tail section 24 of center conveyor system 22. This grainis then engaged by rotating belt 30 of center conveyor system 22 andconveyed along center conveyor system 22 until deposited out of headsection 26 and into grain transfer or storage device 116.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a funnel 184 is positioned atthe forward end of transition section 182 above center conveyor system22. In the arrangement shown, as one example, funnel 184 angles downwardand inward as it extends forward from transition section 182 with therearward end of funnel 184 connecting to the forward side of transitionsection 182 and the forward end of funnel 184 connecting to the top wall142 of housing 28 of center conveyor system 22. In this way, funnel 184provides additional clearance and room for grain moved by side conveyorsystems 82 to settle onto center conveyor system 22. In addition, thedownward and forward angling of funnel 184 provides alignment andguidance to the grain to settle upon center conveyor system 22.

In Operation: In one arrangement, single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10 operates in the following manner: A dual hopper belly dumptrailer 12 is pulled up and over pit 14. The driver aligns the hoppers126 of the dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 with the grates 16 of pit14.

Once the dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 is aligned with the grates 16of pit 14, the motor 48 is powered. When motor 48 is powered, outputshaft 54 of motor 48 rotates. As output shaft 54 rotates this causesfirst pulley 58 to rotate. As first pulley 58 rotates this causesconnector 62 to move. As connector 62 moves this causes second pulley 60to rotate. The rotation of second pulley 60 is transferred throughgearbox 64 to shaft 38 thereby causing shaft 38 and the attachedsprocket 40 at head section 26 of center conveyor system 22 to rotate.

As shaft 38 and sprocket 40 at the head section 26 of center conveyorsystem 22 rotates the teeth of sprocket 40 mesh with the links 32 ofbelt 30 of center conveyor system 22 thereby causing belt 30 totransition from moving forward through upper chamber 152 to movingrearward through lower chamber 154 at head section 26. Simultaneously,this movement of belt 30 causes belt 30 to rotate around shaft 38 andsprocket 40 at the tail section 24 of center conveyor system 22 therebycausing belt 30 to transition from moving rearward through lower chamber154 to moving forward through upper chamber 152 at tail section 24.

As belt 30 is driven through housing 28 this causes shaft 38 andsprocket 40 at the tail section 24 to rotate. This rotation of shaft 38of tail section 24 causes first pulley 68 to rotate. As first pulley 68rotates this causes connector 72 to move. As connector 72 moves thiscauses second pulley 70 to rotate. The rotation of second pulley 70causes shaft 176 to rotate. As shaft 176 rotates this causes gearboxes74 to transition rotation of shaft 176 to rotation of shafts 98 of headsections 86 of side conveyor systems 82.

As shaft 98 and sprocket 100 at the head section 86 of side conveyorsystems 82 rotate the teeth of sprockets 100 mesh with the links 32 ofbelts 30 of side conveyor systems 82 thereby causing belt 30 totransition from moving forward through upper chamber 152 to movingrearward through lower chamber 154 at head section 86. Simultaneously,this movement of belt 30 causes belt 30 to rotate around shaft 98 andsprocket 100 at the tail section 84 of side conveyor systems 82 therebycausing belt 30 to transition from moving rearward through lower chamber154 to moving forward through upper chamber 152 at tail section 84.

Notably, because two side conveyor systems 82 are supplying grain to asingle center conveyor system 22, in one arrangement, center conveyorsystem 22 has approximately twice the carrying capacity as side conveyorsystems 82. This may be accomplished in one arrangement, by gearingsystem 10 to cause side conveyor systems 82 to move half as fast ascenter conveyor system 22. This may be accomplished by appropriatelysizing first pulley 68 and/or second pulley 70 and/or the gearing ofgearboxes 74. Alternatively, center conveyor system 22 may have a highercarrying capacity by having a deeper or wider belt 30. Or, this may beaccomplished by varying any number of variables of the system.

In this way a single motor 48 powers and causes the simultaneousrotation of center conveyor systems 22 as well as two side conveyorsystems 82 to rotate with the belts 30 of each of the center conveyorsystem 22 and side conveyor systems 82 moving from tail section 24/84 tohead section 26/86 in upper chamber 152 and moving from head section26/86 to tail section 24/84 in lower chamber 154.

Now that the belts 30 of each of the center conveyor system 22 and sideconveyor systems 82 are rotating through their respective housings28/88, grain can be deposited into single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10. To do this the gates 128 of the forward and rearward hopper126 of dual hopper belly dump trailer 12 are opened. As the gates 128are opened grain drains from the hollow interior 124 of dual hopperbelly dump trailer 12 under the force of gravity. This grain fallsthrough grates 16 of pit 14 and is funneled by the end walls 108 andsidewalls 110 of hoppers 106 of side conveyor systems 82 and onto theupper surface of pan 146 adjacent tail sections 84.

As the grain falls into the upper chamber 152 of side conveyor systems82 adjacent tail section 84 the grain is urged forward by the flights 36of belt 30 which slide over the upper surface of pan 146. As flights 36and belt 30 move from tail section 84 to head section 86, the cut-outsection 156 of flights 36 fit around guide 160 which provides alignmentand guidance to flights 36 and belt 30. In addition, as grain fallsthrough and around the links 32 of belt 30 and into the void caused bycut-out sections 156, guide 160 sheds the grain to the sides and intothe path of flights 36.

Flights 36 and belt 30 continue to push grain forward from tail section84 to head section 86 until belt 30 rotates around shaft 98 and sprocket100 at head section 86. At this point the carried grain falls in thehollow interior of transition section 182 and onto the upper surface ofpan 146 adjacent tail section 24 of center conveyor system 22.

As the grain falls into the upper chamber 152 of center conveyor system22 adjacent tail section 24 the grain is urged forward by the flights 36of belt 30 which slide over the upper surface of pan 146. As flights 36and belt 30 move from tail section 24 to head section 26, the cut-outsection 156 of flights 36 fit around guide 160 which provides alignmentand guidance to flights 36 and belt 30. In addition, as grain fallsthrough and around the links 32 of belt 30 and into the void caused bycut-out sections 156, guide 160 sheds the grain to the sides and intothe path of flights 36.

Flights 36 and belt 30 continue to push grain forward from tail section84, through horizontal section 130, through corner section 132, throughinclined section 134 to head section 26 until belt 30 rotates aroundshaft 38 and sprocket 40 at head section 26. At this point the carriedgrain falls through opening 174 of head section 26 and into graintransfer or storage device 116.

In this way a single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 is presentedthat operates using only a single motor 48. This provides significantadvantages while also causing substantial complexities. One of thebenefits is that all three belts 30 rotate simultaneously, therebypreventing the possibility that one or more of the belts 30 fail tooperate thereby causing a plug.

Alternative Arrangements:

With reference to FIGS. 29-35 , various alternative arrangements ofsingle drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 are presented. Somecomponents of single drive dual hopper conveyor system 10 presented inFIGS. 29-35 are similar to those of single drive dual hopper conveyorsystem 10 presented in FIGS. 1-28 and therefore the teaching presentedherein with respect to FIGS. 1-28 may be applied to and is incorporatedinto the teaching presented in FIGS. 29-35 unless specifically statedotherwise.

Through careful observation, it has been observed that in corner section132 of center conveyor system 22, frictional engagement between top wall142 of housing 28 and belt 30 and/or flights 36 can create buildup ofexcessive heat. Such buildup of heat may cause excessive wear or maydamage grain that is transported though center conveyor system 22. Suchfrictional engagement may occur, for example due to tension on belt 30pulling belt 30 and flights 36 toward top wall 142 of housing 28 incorner section 132. In one or more arrangement, system 10 centerconveyor system 22 includes a belt support arrangement 188 to reducefrictional engagement between top wall 142 of housing 28 and belt 30and/or flights 36.

Belt Support Arrangement 188: Belt support arrangement 188 is formed ofany suitable size, shape, or design, and is configured to maintainseparation between top wall 142 of housing 28 and belt 30. In thearrangement shown, belt support arrangement 188 includes a rail 190connected to top wall 142 of housing 28 by a bracket 204. In thisexample arrangement, rail 190 is positioned directly above belt 30 inthe center of housing 28. In this example arrangement, when belt 30 ispulled upward, rail 190 will engage belt 30 and maintain a minimumseparation between the upper edge of belt 30 and the bottom interiorsurface of top wall 142 of housing 28. Because flights 36 are connectedto belt 30, separation between belt 30 and flights 36 is alsomaintained. In this manner, frictional engagement with top wall 142 ofhousing 28 is reduced.

While belt support arrangement 188 is primarily described with referenceto an implementation such as rail 190, embodiments are not so limited.Rather, it is contemplated that belt support arrangement 188 may beimplemented using various other structures, mechanisms, and/or methods.For example, in one or more embodiments, belt support arrangement 188may include one or more chain sprockets or pulleys connected to oradjacent top wall 142 of housing 28 and configured to engage belt 30.

One of the benefits of using one or more sprockets or pulleys is thatthis arrangement may reduce friction and the generation of heat, byhaving the sprockets or pulleys rotate on low-friction bearings. Anotherbenefit of using one or more sprockets or pulleys is that thisarrangement may allow for increased guidance of belt 30 by havingengagement between the teeth of the sprockets or pulleys and links 32 ofbelt 30.

However, the use of sprockets or pulleys in this arrangement may haveundesirable drawbacks, such as the potential to create sparks and startfires within center conveyor system 22. Another potential undesirabledrawback to using sprockets or pulleys in this arrangement includes thepotential to crush grain between the points of contact between thesprockets and pulleys and belt 30.

Rail 190: Rail 190 is formed of any suitable size, shape, or design, andis configured to facilitate low friction engagement with belt 30 andmaintain separation between top wall 142 of housing 28 and belt 30. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, rail 190 has a generally planarshape extending between a top edge 192, a bottom edge 194, a front end196, and a rear end 198. In this example arrangement, top edge 192 andbottom edge 194 are generally parallel edges having a curve that matchesa curve of top wall 142 in corner section 132 of center conveyor system22. In this example arrangement, rail 190 includes angled sections 200at front end 196 and rear end 198, where bottom edge 192 of rail 190angles toward top edge 192. Angled sections assist to smoothly guidebelt 30 onto and off of rail 190. In this example arrangement, rail 190includes a set of holes 202 to facilitate s attachment with bracket(s)204 by fasteners 158.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, in FIGS. 29-31B, a gap isplaced in flights 36 above links 32 of belt 30. This gap provides accessfor rail 190 to engage links 32 of belt 30 such that rail 190 may ridedirectly upon the upper surface of links 32 of belt 30.

In various different arrangements, rail 190 may be formed from variousmaterials having lower coefficient of friction than the material used toform to top wall 142 to reduce friction in corner section 132 includingbut not limited to, for example, metals, plastics, ceramics, or anyother material. In one or more arrangements, rail 190 are formed of aplastic or composite or non-metallic material, such as an ultra-highmolecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) or other UHMW or similar material.In some embodiments, using a non-metallic material may provide a numberof benefits including, for example, being easier or softer on the grain,being easier on the other components of the system, being more-durablethan metal, being self-lubricating, being lighter than metal, beinglower friction, being impact resistant, being quieter, having lesspotential for sparking or starting a fire, and/or eliminating metal onmetal contact among many other benefits.

Bracket 204: Bracket 204 is formed of any suitable size, shape, ordesign, and is configured to facilitate attachment of rail 190 to topwall 142. In this example arrangement, in corner section 132 of centerconveyor system 22 includes two brackets 204 that are positioned inparallel and configured to receive and hold rail 190 therebetween. Inthis example arrangement, each bracket 204 has a generally planar shapeextending between a top edge 210, a bottom edge 212, a front end 214,and a rear end 216. In this example arrangement, top edge 210 and bottomedge 212 are generally parallel edges having a curve that matches acurve of top wall 142.

In this example arrangement, each bracket 204 has holes 202 that alignwith holes 202 of rail 190 when rail 190 is held between the brackets204. In this example arrangement, rail 190 is attached to brackets 204by fasteners 158, which are inserted through holes 202 in brackets 204and rail 190. However, embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it iscontemplated that rail 190 may be connected to bracket by any manner,method or means including but not limited to, for example, beingscrewed, bolted, welded, adhered, or any combination thereof, orconnected in any other way. Alternatively, in some arrangements, rail190 may be connected directly to top edge 190 and bracket(s) 204 may beomitted.

In this example arrangement, top edge 210 of each bracket 204 is weldedto top wall 142, or formed as part of top wall 142. However, embodimentsare not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that bracket 204 may beconnected to top wall 142 by any manner, method or means including butnot limited to, for example, being screwed, bolted, welded, adhered, orany combination thereof, or connected in any other way.

From the above discussion it will be appreciated that one or moreembodiment provide a single drive dual hopper conveyor system: thatimproves upon the state of the art and meets all of its objectives; thatimproves efficiencies; that reduces unload time; that eliminates theneed to move a grain trailer during the unload process; that increasesunload speed; that increases unload capacity; that is relativelyinexpensive; that makes it easier for a driver to unload a dual hopperbelly dump grain trailer; that is easy to install; that can be used withpractically any grain storage facility; that can be used withpractically any grain processing facility; that has a long useful life;that is durable; that has a robust design; that is high quality; thatcan be used with practically any dual hopper belly dump grain trailer;that is easy to use; that allows for the simultaneous emptying of bothhoppers at the same time; that only requires the use of a single motor;that is easy to control; that is essentially foolproof to operate; thatrequires minimal wiring to install; that prevents the side conveyorsfrom driving at different speeds; that has a minimal risk of plugging;that it gentle on grain; and/or that requires a minimal amount of energyto operate. These and other objects, features, or advantages of thedisclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures, andclaims.

Exemplary Embodiments

In one or more embodiments, a single drive dual hopper conveyor systemis provided. The system comprises: a center conveyor system; the centerconveyor system extending from a tail section to a head section; a pairof side conveyor systems; the side conveyor systems extending from atail section to a head section; a motor operatively connected to thecenter conveyor system; the side conveyor systems operatively connectedto the center conveyor system; wherein operation of the motorsimultaneously drives operation of the center conveyor system and drivesoperation of the side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the system further comprises: a hopperassociated with each of the side conveyor systems, wherein each sideconveyor systems is configured to receive grain through the associatedhopper, wherein each side conveyor system is configured to convey thereceived grain to the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems are configuredto convey grain toward the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the head section of the side conveyorsystems is positioned adjacent and above the tail section of the centerconveyor system such that grain conveyed from the side conveyor systemsis dispensed onto the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems are positionedin approximate linear alignment with one another and wherein the centerconveyor system is positioned in approximate perpendicular alignment tothe side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems include abelt, wherein the side conveyor systems are configured to carry grain onan upper side of the belt.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system includes abelt, wherein the center conveyor system is configured to carry grain onan upper side of the belt.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems include a belthaving a plurality of links, pans, and flights.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system includes abelt having a plurality of links, pans, and flights.

In one or more implementations, the motor is configured to rotate ashaft connected to the head section of the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the motor is operatively connected to agearbox that is operatively connected to a shaft connected to the headsection of the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the tail section of the center conveyorsystem is operatively connected to the head section of the side conveyorsystems such that rotation of the center conveyor system causes rotationof the side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the system further comprises: a gearboxpositioned between each side conveyor systems and the center conveyorsystem.

In one or more embodiments, a single drive dual hopper conveyor systemis provided. The system comprises: a center conveyor system; the centerconveyor system extending from a tail section to a head section; a pairof side conveyor systems; the side conveyor systems extending from atail section to a head section; a motor operatively connected to thehead section of the center conveyor system; the tail section of thecenter conveyor system operatively connected to the head section of theside conveyor systems; wherein operation of the motor simultaneouslydrives operation of the center conveyor system and drives operation ofthe side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the system further comprises: a hopperassociated with each of the side conveyor systems, wherein each sideconveyor system is configured to receive grain through the associatedhopper, wherein each side conveyor system is configured to convey thereceived grain to the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems are configuredto convey grain toward the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the head section of the side conveyorsystems is positioned adjacent and above the tail section of the centerconveyor system such that grain conveyed from the side conveyor systemsis dispensed onto the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems are positionedin approximate linear alignment with one another and wherein the centerconveyor system is positioned in approximate perpendicular alignment tothe side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems include abelt, wherein the side conveyor systems are configured to carry grain onan upper side of the belt.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system includes abelt, wherein the center conveyor system is configured to carry grain onan upper side of the belt.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems include a belthaving a plurality of links, pans, and flights.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system includes abelt having a plurality of links, pans, and flights.

In one or more implementations, the motor is configured to rotate ashaft connected to the head section of the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the motor is operatively connected to agearbox that is operatively connected to a shaft connected to the headsection of the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the tail section of the center conveyorsystem is operatively connected to the head section of the side conveyorsystems such that rotation of the center conveyor system causes rotationof the side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, further comprising a gearbox positionedbetween each side conveyor system and the center conveyor system.

In one or more embodiments, a single drive dual hopper conveyor systemis provided. The system comprises: a pair of side conveyor systems; theside conveyor systems extending from a tail section to a head section; ahopper associated with each side conveyor system that is configured todirect grain to the associated side conveyor system; the pair of sideconveyor systems operatively connected to a center conveyor system; thecenter conveyor system extending from a tail section to a head section;a motor operatively connected to the center conveyor system; the tailsection of the center conveyor system operatively connected to the headsection of the side conveyor systems; wherein operation of the motorsimultaneously drives operation of the center conveyor system and drivesoperation of the side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, each side conveyor systems is configuredto receive grain through the associated hopper, wherein each sideconveyor system is configured to convey the received grain to the centerconveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems are configuredto convey grain toward the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the head section of the side conveyorsystems is positioned adjacent and above the tail section of the centerconveyor system such that grain conveyed from the side conveyor systemsis dispensed onto the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems are positionedin approximate linear alignment with one another and wherein the centerconveyor system is positioned in approximate perpendicular alignment tothe side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems include abelt, wherein the side conveyor systems are configured to carry grain onan upper side of the belt.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system includes abelt, wherein the center conveyor system is configured to carry grain onan upper side of the belt.

In one or more implementations, the side conveyor systems include a belthaving a plurality of links, pans, and flights.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system includes abelt having a plurality of links, pans, and flights.

In one or more implementations, the motor is configured to rotate ashaft connected to the head section of the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the motor is operatively connected to agearbox that is operatively connected to a shaft connected to the headsection of the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the tail section of the center conveyorsystem is operatively connected to the head section of the side conveyorsystems such that rotation of the center conveyor system causes rotationof the side conveyor systems.

In one or more implementations, the system further comprises: a gearboxpositioned between each side conveyor system and the center conveyorsystem.

In one or more embodiments, a single drive dual hopper conveyor systemis provided. The system comprises: a first hopper; a first side conveyorsystem; wherein the first hopper provides a path for grain to the firstside conveyor system; a second hopper; a second side conveyor system;wherein the second hopper provides a path for grain to the second sideconveyor system; a center conveyor system; a motor; wherein the motor isoperably connected to the first side conveyor system, the second sideconveyor system and the center conveyor system; wherein the motor isconfigured to simultaneously operate the first side conveyor system, thesecond side conveyor system and the center conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the first side conveyor system is aconveyor.

In one or more implementations, the first conveyor system is a dragchain.

In one or more implementations, the first conveyor system is an auger.

In one or more implementations, the first conveyor system is a belt.

In one or more implementations, the first conveyor system, the secondconveyor system and the center conveyor system are selected from thegroup consisting of a conveyor, a drag chain, an auger, and a belt.

In one or more implementations, the first conveyor system and the secondconveyor system are configured to carry grain toward the center conveyorsystem positioned approximately at the center between the first conveyorsystem and the second conveyor system.

In one or more implementations, the first conveyor system and the secondconveyor system are housed within a housing.

In one or more implementations, the first hopper and second hopper areconnected to a housing.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system has a headsection and a tail section, wherein the tail section is positionedbetween the first side conveyor system and the second side conveyorsystem.

In one or more implementations, the center conveyor system has a tailsection and a head section, wherein the head section feeds grain to anexterior grain transfer or storage device.

In one or more implementations, the motor is operably connected to thecenter conveyor system, the first conveyor system and the secondconveyor system by a chain drive system or a belt drive system.

In one or more implementations, the first hopper of the first sideconveyor system is configured to receive grain from a first hopper of agrain trailer and the second hopper of the second side conveyor systemis configured to receive grain from a second hopper of the grain trailersimultaneous with the motor operating the first conveyor system, thesecond conveyor system and the center conveyor system.

In one or more embodiments, a high side conveyor system is provided. Thesystem comprises: a housing; the housing having an upper chamber; thehousing having a lower chamber; the housing having a pan; the pan havingan upper surface; the pan having a lower surface; the pan positionedbetween the upper chamber and the lower chamber; a belt; the beltpositioned within the housing such that the belt travels forward in theupper chamber; the belt positioned within the housing such that the belttravels rearward in the lower chamber; the belt having a plurality oflinks; the belt having a plurality of flights; the flights having acut-out section; a guide; the guide positioned within the cut-outsection; the guide configured to prevent the buildup of grain within thearea of the cut-out section.

In one or more implementations, the guide is connected to the uppersurface of the pan.

In one or more implementations, the guide has a peaked upper surfacethat is configured to shed grain to the sides of the guide.

In one or more implementations, the guide has a pair of opposingsidewalls that extend upward from the upper surface of the pan, whereinthe guide has a pair of end walls that extend upward from the sidewallsthat connect to one another at an angled peak.

In one or more implementations, the guide provides guidance andalignment to the belt as the belt travels through the housing.

In one or more implementations, the links of the belt are engaged by asprocket at ends of the housing.

In one or more implementations, the pan, the guide and the links areformed of a metallic material, and wherein the flights are formed of anon-metallic material.

In one or more embodiments, a high side conveyor system is provided. Thesystem comprises: a housing; the housing having a chamber; the housinghaving a pan; the pan having an upper surface; a belt; the beltpositioned within the housing such that the belt travels over the pan;the belt having a plurality of links; the belt having a plurality offlights; the flights having a cut-out section; a guide; the guidepositioned within the cut-out section; the guide configured to preventthe buildup of grain within the area of the cut-out section.

In one or more implementations, the pan, the guide, and the links areformed of a metallic material, and wherein the flights are formed of anon-metallic material.

In one or more implementations, the belt travels forward in an upperchamber of the housing.

In one or more implementations, the belt travels rearward in a lowerchamber of the housing.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A conveyor system, comprising: a first conveyorsystem; the first conveyor system extending from a tail section to ahead section; a motor operatively connected to the first conveyorsystem; wherein the first conveyor system includes an upward curvedsection positioned between the tail section and the head section;wherein the first conveyor system includes a housing; wherein the firstconveyor system includes a drag chain having links and a plurality offlights; wherein the drag chain is configured to transport grain throughthe housing from a tail end to a head end; wherein the housing includesa top wall; wherein the first conveyor system includes a supportarrangement positioned adjacent the top wall in the curved section;wherein the support arrangement is configured to maintain separationbetween the top wall of housing and the drag chain during operation. 2.The system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of side conveyorsystems; the side conveyor systems extending from a tail section to ahead section; the side conveyor systems operatively connected to thefirst conveyor system; wherein operation of the motor simultaneouslydrives operation of the first conveyor system and drives operation ofthe side conveyor systems.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprisinga pair of side conveyor systems; the side conveyor systems extendingfrom a tail section to a head section; the side conveyor systemsoperatively connected to the first conveyor system; wherein operation ofthe motor simultaneously drives operation of the first conveyor systemand drives operation of the side conveyor systems a hopper associatedwith each of the side conveyor systems, wherein each side conveyorsystems is configured to receive grain through the associated hopper,wherein each side conveyor system is configured to convey the receivedgrain to the first conveyor system.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of side conveyor systems; wherein the side conveyorsystems are configured to convey grain toward the first conveyor system.5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of side conveyorsystems; the side conveyor systems extending from a tail section to ahead section; wherein the head section of the side conveyor systems arepositioned adjacent and above the tail section of the first conveyorsystem such that grain conveyed from the side conveyor systems isdispensed onto the first conveyor system.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising a pair of side conveyor systems; wherein the sideconveyor systems are positioned in approximate linear alignment with oneanother and wherein the first conveyor system is positioned inapproximate perpendicular alignment to the side conveyor systems.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to rotate a shaftconnected to the head section of the first conveyor system.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the motor is operatively connected to agearbox that is operatively connected to a shaft connected to the headsection of the first conveyor system.
 9. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of side conveyor systems; wherein the tail section ofthe first conveyor system is operatively connected to the head sectionof the side conveyor systems such that rotation of the first conveyorsystem causes rotation of the side conveyor systems.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a gearbox positioned between each sideconveyor system and the first conveyor system.
 11. A conveyor system,comprising: a center conveyor system; wherein the center conveyor systemincludes a drag chain having links and a plurality of flights; whereinthe plurality of flights include a cut-out section positioned below thelinks of the drag chain; a guide; the guide positioned within thecut-out section of the plurality of flights in alignment with and belowthe links of the drag chain; the guide configured to prevent the buildupof grain within the area of the cut-out section of the plurality offlights.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a first hopper;a first side conveyor system; wherein the first hopper provides a pathfor grain to the first side conveyor system; a second hopper; a secondside conveyor system; wherein the second hopper provides a path forgrain to the second side conveyor system.
 13. The system of claim 11,further comprising: a first side conveyor system; a second side conveyorsystem; wherein the center conveyor system has a head section and a tailsection, wherein the tail section is positioned between the first sideconveyor system and the second side conveyor system.
 14. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the center conveyor system has a tail section and ahead section, wherein the head section feeds grain to an exterior graintransfer or storage device.
 15. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: a motor; a first side conveyor system; a second sideconveyor system; wherein the motor is operably connected to the centerconveyor system, the first conveyor system and the second conveyorsystem by a chain drive system or a belt drive system.
 16. A high sideconveyor system, comprising: a housing; the housing having an upperchamber; the housing having a lower chamber; the housing having adivider separating the upper chamber and the lower chamber; a drag chainhaving links and a plurality of flights; the drag chain positionedwithin the housing such that the drag chain travels forward in the upperchamber; the drag chain positioned within the housing such that the dragchain travels rearward in the lower chamber; wherein each of theplurality of flights has a first cut-out section; a guide; the guidepositioned within the first cut-out section; the guide configured toprevent the buildup of grain within the area of the cut-out section. 17.The system of claim 16, further comprising a support arrangement;wherein the conveyor system includes a first straight section configuredto transport grain horizontally, wherein the conveyor system includes asecond straight section configured to transport grain at an inclinedangle; and wherein the conveyor system includes a curved sectionconfigured to transport grain from the first straight section to thesecond straight section; wherein the housing includes a top wall;wherein the support arrangement is positioned on the top wall in thecurved section; wherein the flights have a second cut-out section;wherein the support arrangement is positioned within the second cut-outsection; wherein the support arrangement is configured to maintainseparation between top wall of housing and drag chain during operation.18. The system of claim 16, further comprising a support arrangement;wherein the conveyor system includes a first straight section configuredto transport grain horizontally, wherein the conveyor system includes asecond straight section configured to transport grain at an inclinedangle; and wherein the conveyor system includes a curved sectionconfigured to transport grain from the first straight section to thesecond straight section; wherein the housing includes a top wallextending from the first straight section to the second straightsection; wherein the support arrangement is positioned on the top wallin the curved section; wherein the support arrangement is configured tomaintain separation between the top wall of the housing and the dragchain; wherein the support arrangement includes a rail operablyconnected to the top wall; the rail having an elongated planar shapeextending from an upper edge to a lower edge and between opposing ends;wherein the upper edge of the rail is operably connected to the top wallof the housing; wherein the lower edge of the rail is configured toengage the drag chain during operation; wherein the flights have asecond cut-out section; wherein the rail is positioned within the secondcut-out section.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the guide isconnected to an upper surface of the lower chamber.
 20. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the guide has a peaked upper surface that isconfigured to shed grain to one or more sides of the guide.
 21. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the housing includes a divider separatingthe upper chamber and lower chamber; wherein the guide has a pair ofopposing sidewalls that extend upward from the upper surface of thedivider, wherein the guide has a pair of end walls that extend upwardfrom the sidewalls that connect to one another at an angled peak. 22.The system of claim 16, wherein the guide provides guidance andalignment to the drag chain as the drag chain travels through thehousing.
 23. The system of claim 16, wherein the links of the drag chainare engaged by a sprocket at ends of the housing.
 24. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the housing includes a divider separating the upperchamber and lower chamber; wherein the divider, the guide and the linksare formed of a metallic material, and wherein the flights are formed ofa non-metallic material.
 25. The system of claim 16, wherein the systemtransports grain in the upper chamber of the housing.
 26. A high sideconveyor system, comprising: a housing; a drag chain having links and aplurality of flights; wherein the drag chain is configured to transportgrain through the housing from a tail end to a head end; wherein thehousing includes a first section configured to transport grain at afirst angle, wherein the housing includes a second section configured totransport grain at a second angle; wherein the second angle is greaterthan the first angle; wherein the housing includes a curved sectionconfigured to transport grain from the first section to the secondsection; wherein the housing includes an upper wall; a supportarrangement; wherein the support arrangement is configured to maintainseparation between the upper wall of housing and the drag chain duringoperation.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the support arrangementis a rail.
 28. The system of claim 26, wherein the support arrangementis a rail formed of a non-metallic material.
 29. The system of claim 26,wherein each of the plurality of flights has a cut-out section; whereinthe support arrangement is positioned within the cut-out section. 30.The system of claim 26, wherein the first angle is horizontal.